I’ve never understood why the Republicans like to hail Ronald Reagan as the Father of Conservatism and Republican values- and especially why they keep repeating his multitude of anti-government quotes. First of all, Ronald Reagan was a union organizing Democrat before he switched parties to appease his future father-in-law. Second,  if government were not here, the Republicans would not have a job. They use the one medium that they constantly tout as evil to elevate their positions of authority and prestige- the government.  If they hate government so much, then why not leave it to the people who value our government. Better yet, why don’t they move to another country so they can create their moated castles in a land that has no government.  I’m so tired of hearing the negative, fear mongering rhetoric.  The United States did not get to be the greatest country without having the wonderful, constitutionally driven government that it does.  It may not always be perfect, but at least it is free and we can always voice our opinion to change it.  To me, our government is like a good parent- its job is to keep you safe, try to teach you the value of being a good and honest person and provide you the opportunities to grow and prosper.  But with that, for me, comes personal responsibility and honor- honor of my parent.  Our government, our parent- is not evil.  It is not some entity that needs to be shunned or ostracized or devalued.  Sometimes, we have people working in government acting just like the spoiled or lazy siblings, that we wish would go away; then let’s speak to them, not the government.  It is rude and childish, yes- childish- for the Republicans, who draw a government paycheck- one that my taxes pay for- to constantly tear down the government as something messed up.  I don’t want to have to give anymore of my hard earned paycheck away, anymore than anyone else- but when I hear a burglar at 2:00 AM, there better be a police officer at the other end of 9-1-1.  When I need to drive to work, I hope the roads are safe and clean. When I want to hike the mountains and see this country that God created, I hope there will still be wild life, that God also created.  If I need to give some of my money because, thank God I live in a free and safe country so that I can continue to do so, then I will.  But the Republicans say it is a travesty to have to pay taxes to enjoy the life we have.  The travesty is that instead of employing more fire and police or fixings our bridges, we have to pay for the deregulations of the Republicans misdirected Utopia, because Wall Street just fell apart.  Mr. and Mrs. Republican, you are not American, but you sure enjoy the fruits of living here, don’t you?

Candie Leigh White